I’ve always thought homemade versions of classic recipes taste much better than store-bought versions. Cranberry sauce is a perfect example of this. Although I loved the canned cranberry sauce we always ate on Thanksgiving when I was young, after I tried making cranberry sauce from scratch one year I was hooked.

Now I have a whole list of healthy Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes. These re-invented new recipes feature whole food ingredients, little prep, and much less sugar. You won’t even miss the canned stuff!

The Best Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweetened)

Most homemade cranberry sauce recipes call for a lot of sugar… enough that I’d classify cranberry sauce as a dessert and not a Thanksgiving side dish!

For those who haven’t tried them, plain cranberries are very tart. I wasn’t sure how much it would be possible to reduce the white sugar and still have an enjoyable sauce. I shouldn’t have worried, because unrefined natural sweeteners (honey) and delicious applesauce fill in the gaps.

This recipe still has more natural sugars than we normally eat. However, it’s a much healthier option than the ones with refined sugar and is a delicious treat for Thanksgiving dinner.

How to Make an Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Simply dump the ingredients together and cook until thick. It really is that simple! I add the orange zest later on in the recipe so the flavorful volatile oils don’t degrade too much. Many sauces call for thickeners like cornstarch or flour. However, fresh cranberries contain natural pectin that breaks down as they cook.

The juice and applesauce add a natural sweetness so you don’t need brown sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners. I like the recipe as is, but you could also add a cinnamon stick or two for more flavor.

Homemade cranberry sauce makes the perfect make-ahead dish too. Make it a day or two before the big day and store it in the fridge. I’m all for easier (but still healthy!) holiday meals. And if you make a big batch and have leftovers there are plenty of tasty ways to use them (see below the recipe for ideas).

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, also check out my healthy versions of green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soup, and root vegetable stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A homemade alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce with delicious hints of pineapple and orange to complement the flavor!

• Put cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

• Reduce to medium heat and stir constantly until the cranberries start to explode (about 10-15 minutes).

• Reduce to a simmer and add the fresh orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry mixture.

• Simmer for another 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.

• Let sauce cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)

Calories 86
Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.15g0%

Saturated Fat 0.01g0%

Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 139mg4%

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 93IU2%

Vitamin C 23mg28%

Calcium 17mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• This is not as sweet as store-bought versions! Taste at the end of cooking. It’s naturally sweet from the fruit juice and applesauce but you can add more honey or stevia to taste if needed.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce

You may not have any fresh cranberry sauce left after eating it with the Thanksgiving turkey. In case you do though, here are some ways to repurpose the leftovers.

Do you eat cranberry sauce? What foods do you always have at Thanksgiving? Share below!